Daily Archives: January 4, 2022

Wednesday, June 1 – Wednesday, June 8 – Great Gardens of Scotland

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The Berkshire Botanical Garden is sponsoring a one week garden tour to Scotland June 1 – 8. Highlights include:

  • A stop by Calton Hill, ‘The Athens of the North’, to see many of its famous landmark buildings.
  • A visit to the Edinburgh Botanical Garden with a talk about the history of the gardens.
  • Manderston House, home of The Lord Palmer, where we will be entertained to lunch,
  • followed by a tour of this grand Edwardian house and a visit to the gardens with the head
  • gardener.
  • Floors Castle & Gardens, in Roxburghshire, is the seat of the Dukes of Roxburgh. The grounds are listed in the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes, the national listing of significant gardens in Scotland.
  • Balcarres House & Gardens, pictured below, the ancestral home of the Earls of Crawford, this house eventually became the family seat of the Earl of Crawford and its grounds are included on the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland, the national listing of significant gardens.

These are just a selection of highlights; please inquire about the full itinerary! To register or learn more contact Lani at lani@classicalexcursions.com

Please note in an effort to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health of our community and the communities we visit proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required for all participants taking part in Berkshire Botanical Garden’s overnight trips.  An image of your vaccination card, alongside a photo ID, must be presented in order to complete registration. Additional health and COVID-based safety measures at our destinations may be in place as well. Lani Summerville will communicate updates regarding health guidelines as needed.

Fridays – Sundays, Through February 13, 10:00 am and 2:00 pm – Tours of Berlin Farms

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To celebrate the completion of a multi-year restoration, Berlin Farms is hosting a limited-time docent-guided tour of the interior of the former farmstead of Charles Edward Cotting in Berlin, MA. This agricultural landmark is local and decorated for the season. Families can avoid the crowds, keep warm and enjoy a special event. .


Tickets at (617)710-8810 or https://www.eventbrite.com/e/holiday-farm-tour-tickets-221425097427


Details are as follows:A festive guided tour of an historic New England farmstead and agricultural landmark. Now open to the public for a limited time! Step into an historic farmstead and relive your agricultural roots. This quintessential New England farm is now open to the public after years of restoration.
Highlights include:  A warm and welcoming docent-guided tour • An educational and fun visit about rural life from the 18th century to present day. Enjoy “Tales of Yore” about the Starlette, the Patriot and Maxine…the cow. A collection of American and European art including period furnishings. Meet-and-greet with a rare barnyard friend. Complementary memento & hot beverages. Tours run now through February 13 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 10am and 2pm.

There is a Back Bay connection to Charles Edward Cotting. According to Thomas High’s excellent website Back Bay Houses:

Charles Cotting was an investment banker, a partner in the firm of Lee, Higginson and Company.  In 1922, he had purchased land in Berlin, Massachusetts, where he founded the Chedco Farm, where he established one of the first Guernsey cattle herds in America. He purchased 410 Beacon in anticipation of his upcoming marriage in June of 1926 to former stage and silent film actress Constance Binney.  After their marriage, they made 410 Beacon their Boston home and also maintained a home in Manchester.

We include a photo of Ms. Binney because she is arguably more attractive than the cow.